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Article History

Received: 15 July 2025

Accepted: 8 April 2026

First Online: 21 April 2026

Declarations

:

: This study was approved by the Malawi University of Science and Technology Research Ethics Committee (MUSTREC), permit number P11/2024/334, in accordance with the USA Office of human research protections (OHRP). While approved by the institution, the authors mentioned in the research proposal that ethical standards would be followed in the study. The authors ensured adherence to international guidelines, national guidelines and all requirements provided by the MUSTREC. The identities of the respondents were protected. Their privacy and any sensitive information were also protected during the data collection and data analysis phase.

: All respondents provided written informed consent by signing consent forms before participation. Additionally, the Malawi Department of National Parks and Wildlife provided a data access permit authorising the use of relevant data from KNP management.

: Not Applicable. This study does not contain any person’s identifiable data, images or personal information requiring publication consent.

: The authors declare no competing interests.